What effect does increasing the thickness of a compressor valve plate gasket have on compressor capacity?

Increasing the thickness of a compressor valve plate gasket generally decreases the compressor capacity due to the added resistance it creates within the compressor assembly. A thicker gasket can result in a larger compression chamber volume and an altered sealing mechanism. This change can disrupt the ideal conditions necessary for effective compression and reduce the amount of refrigerant that can be moved through the system efficiently.

With a thicker gasket, the dynamics of airflow or refrigerant flow within the compressor can be negatively impacted, leading to less effective compression cycles. In an ideal air conditioning and refrigeration system, the capacity is maximized when the components, including valve plates and gaskets, are within specified tolerances. Therefore, while some might assume that a thicker gasket could improve sealing and enhance performance, the reality is that it tends to disrupt the precision necessary for optimal operation, ultimately resulting in reduced compressor capacity.